28-01-2025
One name tops pundits' short list for Ohio lieutenant governor
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Ohio is without a lieutenant governor now that Jon Husted is a U.S. Senator.
Husted's appointment to Washington came just two weeks ago, and now Gov. Mike DeWine needs to pick someone to fill the post.
'[The lieutenant governor] just has to be ready at a moment's notice if the governor's incapacitated for any reason whatsoever,' Republican strategist Mike Gonidakis said. 'It's a very important constitutional office. However, the direct impact it has on everyday Ohioans' lives is very limited. That's why they seek other opportunities in state government.'
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While the lieutenant governor does not have many direct constitutional requirements, Gonidakis said whoever is chosen for the job will be able to craft their position.
'In the past, we've seen Lt. Gov. Husted, now senator, he was in charge of workforce development,' Gonidakis said. 'We've seen former lieutenant governors have other cabinet agency positions.'
Both Gonidakis and President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce Derrick R. Clay said there is one person they think is the frontrunner for the job.
'It makes sense if Director [of the Ohio Department of Development] Lydia Mihalik is selected for that role,' Clay said. 'She has been particularly strong for the business community throughout Ohio. If there was anybody that I think could just jump into the job, understand the needs of the business community in Ohio, it would be Director Mihalik.'
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'I really think it's going to come down to Miss Mihalik,' Gonidakis said. 'The governor sees her as a strong leader, someone that we can all work with and would do a great job for the state of Ohio. I don't believe any current statewide office holder would be on any shortlist, nor do they want it because they have their own paths.'
A spokesperson for Mihalik at the Department of Development said they are 'unable to comment on unofficial matters and would refer any additional questions you may have to the Governor's office.' DeWine's office said there is no update about the pending appointment at this time.
Clay said he would like to see whoever is appointed, even if it is not Mihalik, take on economic development from day one.
'New initiatives are going to be a little bit more difficult to get off the ground,' he said. 'So, I'm hoping that the lieutenant governor, whoever that person is, comes in and continues the good work that that this administration has been doing for the business community and sets the new administration up for even bigger and better things.'
DeWine does get to appoint someone, but his pick will need to be approved by the Ohio House and Senate.
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'[DeWine] is not going to put someone up for confirmation that wouldn't be able to get through the House and Senate,' Gonidakis said. 'We have a budget that has to get to the governor's desk by July 1. I don't think [lawmakers] are going to spend a lot of time or capital on this as long as it's a good, solid, proven individual, male or female.'
'We asked the governor, 'Can you run the name or two by us before it gets announced,'' Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima) said. 'Starting off, we would certainly give deference to the governor. But I don't want my members to be surprised, and I ask my members, please don't hold a press conference and say you think you'd be a great lieutenant governor. That would perhaps disrupt the process.'
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